Monday February 18 Ag News

Soybean Seed Germination Concerns
Steve Knox - Manager of the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association

Some new crop soybean seed being tested by the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association is falling below the normal germination rate. While a few lots came in at or above 95% germination, results are averaging in the mid 80% range. Growers are urged to check the germination rate for their soybean seed and adjust planting rate accordingly and use fungicide treatments under certain circumstances. Seed treatment fungicides might be recommended when growers are planting early into cold soils or have had chronic problems with seedling diseases.

In a typical year, soybean seed lots tested by the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association (NCIA) range from 88% to 98% germination. This year samples ranged from 43% to 98% germination. The minimum germination for certified soybean seed is 80%, as set by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA). The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has set a minimum germination standard of 75% for soybeans.

In uncleaned samples submitted to NCIA there were a lot of dead, moldy seeds this year. These were cleaned out before germination testing, similar to what would happen in commercial seed production.

Concerns over soybean seed quality issues are widespread across the US production area due to an unusually wet fall that delayed harvest in seed-producing areas of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, the sources for much of Nebraska’s seed. Wet fall conditions contributed to the development of several seed diseases: Phomopsis seed decay and purple seed stain. In fall 2018 purple seed stain was reported at above-normal levels in Nebraska. (There are no known sources of resistance for purple seed stain.) NCIA testing has shown little or no reduction in germination in purple stained seed in its tests this year.

What You Can Do
If the germination rate for your seed is lower than normal, consider adding one or more fungicide seed treatments and increasing your seeding rate. Various seed treatment classes and active ingredients do not work equally well against all pathogens. Thus, it’s important to understand which disease(s) have been or may be problematic in your fields and select products or a diverse combination from multiple fungicide classes.

Efficacy ratings are provided for soybean seed treatments in the 2019 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska on page 255, including for Phomopsis seed decay. This efficacy table was developed by university plant pathologists from throughout the US soybean production area. Tables on the subsequent pages (256-257) list products by fungicide class or mixed modes of action. You can also view these soybean seed fungicide tables, excerpted from the guide, online.

A fungicide treatment won’t improve germination of dying or dead seeds, but it can help protect seedlings under stress and thus help ensure a better stand. A fungicide application should be considered for soybean, especially when the seed germination rate is below normal, you’re planting early into cold soils that may delay germination, or you’re reducing your soybean seeding rate. This earlier CropWatch article addresses what to consider when deciding whether to treat seed.

With lower germination rates, how much should the seeding rate be increased? If you’re shooting for a 120,000 plant-per-acre stand, and the germination rate is 80% rather than the 90% you usually plant, increase the seeding rate by the relative difference. In this example, by 10%. A lot of things can kill your stand after emergence and you don’t want to short change potential yield early in the season.

Insecticide seed treatments are not warranted in response to expected low germination, but may be warranted for early-planted soybean in areas where bean leaf beetle feeding might be expected.  

Growers also may want to have any seed they’ve stored on-farm over the winter tested again to determine whether storage conditions may have further affected seed quality. Seed molds can die in cool, dry conditions or increase in wet conditions.

Each spring NCIA tests 500 seed samples for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to see if germination falls within an allowable range of that stated on the seed label. (These tests include all crops plus bird seed, horticulture seed, etc., sold in the state.) They also conduct germination tests for seed companies and for individual growers. In these recent tests, germination of fungicide-treated seed was slightly higher than non-treated seed.



Ricketts to Proclaim FFA Week in Nebraska

On Tuesday, Governor Pete Ricketts will host a proclamation signing ceremony for “FFA Week” in Nebraska.  FFA Week is celebrated nationally February 16-23, 2019.

The Governor, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman, Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Director of Agricultural Education Krystl Knabe, and Nebraska FFA President Amanda Most will make remarks.  The ceremony will take place at 2:30pm in the Governor’s Hearing Room at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. 



2019 Nutrient Management Record Keeping Calendars are Now Available

An easy-to-use record keeping calendar for livestock operations that keeps track of manure related records is available to all livestock producers. The calendar was designed to be used by all sizes of livestock operations and includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). It has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a valuable resource for livestock producers.

Records of rainfall, storage depth gauge levels, and storage and equipment inspections are an important aspect of required manure and runoff storage records for a NDEQ permit. It also has a sample of an Annual Report that a CAFO must submit by March 1st of each year.  These and other records will help you gain value from manure nutrients and document your stewardship of the
environment.  The calendar also has several pieces of information throughout that will be helpful to the producer.

The calendar is available for free.  You can pick one up at the Cuming County Extension office or receive one by contacting Leslie Johnson (leslie.johnson@unl.edu) or the NDEQ office. Calendars are good through January 2020.



Fortenberry Announces Farm Bill Review Session in Norfolk

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) announced today that he will be hosting a Farm Bill review session this coming Wednesday, February 20, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, in Norfolk with USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey. The Farm Bill review will be held at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Conference Room, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk, Nebraska.

“In Nebraska, agriculture is central to our economic well-being, our way of life, our culture,” Fortenberry said.  “The Farm Bill is a once-every-five-year piece of legislation.  It ensures that America continues to lead the world in agricultural innovation, food safety, and renewable fuels, while enhancing opportunity for beginning farmers and local growers,” Fortenberry said.  “The birth of such legislation is neither easy nor smooth.  I look forward to discussing its essential components with the community,” Fortenberry concluded.

If you have any questions about the upcoming Farm Bill review session, please contact Congressman Fortenberry’s office at (402) 438-1598.

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies and is sponsor of the Rural Health Insurance Act among other ag-related initiatives.



Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers March 5

Ag industry representatives and corn and soybean growers wanting to learn how to better manage pests should plan to attend the Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers course. It will be held March 5 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, 1071 County Road G. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

This session is ideal for new employees preparing to take the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) exam and serves as an excellent refresher course for experienced personnel. Sessions are taught by university representatives from subject matter departments. This training provides current, detailed instruction and is specifically designed to provide the knowledge, expertise and confidence necessary to fulfill the requirements for working as a crop scout in making control recommendations.

Topics include:
-    factors influencing the growth and development of corn and soybeans;
-    crop diseases and management;
-    identifying weeds and plant morphology;
-    weed control and herbicide management;
-    using a key to identify weed seedlings; and
-    corn and soybean insect management.

Contacts and Registration
The fee for this training is $165 with a resource book or $60 without a resource book. The optional resource book contains a variety of reference materials that are excellent resources for crop scouting professionals.

Pre-register to reserve your seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, and workshop materials. They do not include the cost of lodging. CCA credits of 7.5 (6 in pest management, 1 in crop management, and 0.5 in fertility/nutrient management) have been applied for and are pending. Register online at go.unl.edu/2019cropscout or complete and submit the form on the event flyer.

For more information, contact Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8030 or e-mail Extension Educator Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu. For registration questions, call (402) 624-8030 or e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu.



Ag Production Meeting to be held in O’Neill on March 7

A Free agronomy program will be held at the Nebraska Extension Office in O’Neill on March 7 from 9AM – 3PM.  This program will focus on leading crop production research on topics to include Western Bean Cutworm/Crop Insect Management, Emergent Corn and Soy diseases, Nutrient Management in High Yield Environments, Trends in Land Values/Rents, and What to Look for in the New Farm Bill.  Speakers include industry leading experts, UNL Extension Faculty, and Pioneer Field Agronomist.  Attendees will learn cutting edge techniques, processes, and tips to maximize yields and profits in 2019

The March 7 meeting will be held at the Nebraska Extension Office for Holt County at 128 N. 6th Street, Suite 100, O’Neill, NE. The meeting will start at 9:00 am and conclude by 3:00 pm with a mid-day break for lunch.  A complimentary lunch is provided.

Register by calling the Nebraska Extension office in Holt County at 402-336-2760.  The workshop has limited space, and pre-registration is required – call today!



Grain Marketing Meeting to be held in O’Neill on March 13

A grain marketing meeting to help farmers minimize losses during this time of low commodity prices will be held in O’Neill on March 13. Nebraska Extension in partnership with Corteva Agriscience and Pioneer Hybrids will present strategies for using futures and options to protect farmers from adverse price declines. The workshops will feature the Marketing in a New Era Simulation and the Grain Marketing Plan smartphone app.

This meeting will have two sessions. The morning session features a review of futures and options along with a market outlook presentation. A free lunch will be provided to those in attendance. The afternoon session participants can test their marketing skills through the hands-on Marketing in a New Era Simulation.

The March 13 meeting will be held at the Nebraska Extension Office for Holt County at 128 N. 6th Street, Suite 100, O’Neill, NE. The meeting will start at 9:00 am and conclude by 2:00 pm with a mid-day break for lunch.

Register by calling the Nebraska Extension office in Holt County at 402-336-2760. This workshop is limited to 26 participants.



SNOW AFFECTS WINTER GRAZING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Snow has been present on the ground for more days than usual so far this winter.  How has it affected your winter grazing?

               It seems to me that this winter has been colder than usual and that we have had more days with snow cover on the ground than normal.  If this is correct, it can affect the ability of your cattle to get the nutrition they need if they are still grazing corn stalks or winter pasture.

               When cattle graze, they often select plant parts like corn husks and grain or grass leaves that contain higher amounts of protein or energy than do the coarser stalks and stems.  With all this snow, it can become difficult or impossible for them to make these selections.  So your cattle eat what they can get to easily.  The end result may be a diet that is less nutritious than usual.  If this goes on for very long your cattle might lose weight and go out of condition.

               So – what can you do about it?  Obviously, you can’t turn on a heater to melt the snow.  Instead, you need to estimate how much different your animals’ diets are from normal and provide supplements to replace those nutrients that are unavailable because of the snow.

               This isn’t difficult.  Normally you probably supplement your cattle after they have grazed the best plant parts.  All the snow does is force you to begin a little sooner or increase the amount they receive by a small amount.

               Of course, I assume you normally supplement correctly.  If your cows usually are a bit fat following winter, maybe they don’t need the extra supplement.  But if you usually end up with cows with just enough weight to be healthy, some extra might be needed this year.

               That little extra might make all the difference this snowy winter.



USDA Expands Sampling Methods for Foreign Animal Disease

After input from the pork industry, the USDA has announced that the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) will officially accept swine lymph node as an approved type of sample for determining the presence of African swine fever (ASF) and classical swine fever (CSF), but only as part of a foreign animal disease investigation. This new sample type joins the other approved types that may be used for an FAD investigation using the polymerase chain reaction method. These include: whole blood (ASF only); tonsil (ASF and CSF); and spleen (ASF and CSF).

According to Christina M. Loiacono, DVM, coordinator with the NAHLN, an active surveillance testing plan is being developed that will describe how lymph node may be incorporated into active disease surveillance. This plan will be announced once it is finalized and approved. Until then, the only ASF and CSF testing using lymph node in NAHLN labs should be within an FAD investigation.

"We are very pleased with the addition of lymph node as a sample type for FAD investigations,” says Dave Pyburn, DVM, senior vice president of the National Pork Board's science and technology department. "It offers producers, veterinarians and diagnosticians another way to help determine if an active FAD infection is happening on a farm. Having more options to do this is always a good thing.”



Pork Checkoff Debuts Swine University at SOBEWFF®

The National Pork Board will introduce Swine University at this week’s 2019 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) in Miami. The initiative, which includes a virtual tour of a pig farm and an introduction to the next generation of farmers, engages consumers and shares the sustainability story of today’s pig farming. Consumers also will learn about the health and nutritional value of pork, which is the most consumed protein in the world.

“Swine University gives us an opportunity to share what our pig farmers do every day to produce delicious, healthy and safe pork with influencers and consumers,” said Jose de Jesus, director of multicultural marketing at the National Pork Board. “With many of today’s consumers two to three generations removed from farming, it’s important to offer the unique opportunity to go inside a pig barn through the power of technology.”

By providing an interactive experience, consumers will learn how America’s pig farmers are building on generations of continuous environmental improvement. Compared with 55 years ago, research shows that today’s pig farming requires 75.9 percent less land, 25.1 percent less water and 7.0 percent less energy use, with a 7.7 percent smaller carbon footprint. The research demonstrates American pig farmers’ commitment to doing what is best for people, pigs and the planet.

The five-day festival runs from Wednesday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 24. Pat Bane, who is America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM, will attend the festival and share what it means to be a pig farmer today with attendees.

“Taking care of my animals and ensuring their well-being is critical, especially for consumers who have questions about pig farming,” said Bane, who farms in Illinois. “That’s why I am open to bringing people to my farm, showing them around and sharing my story. We want the public to know how we raise pigs and that every day we do what is right to care for our animals, to keep them healthy and to properly manage our farm.”

The National Pork Board will participate in five major events at SOBEWFF:
-    Tequila Cazadores presents Tacos After Dark
-    Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons®
-    Goya Foods’ Fun and Fit as a Family
-    Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ hosted by Guy Fieri
-    Goya Foods’ Swine & Wine

The Pork Checkoff also will collaborate with high-profile Latin chefs and influencers. This will include Jose Mendin, a five-time James Beard nominee and driving force behind Pubbelly restaurants; Ana Quincoces, a celebrity chef and lifestyle influencer; and Eddie Zamora, a social influencer and creator of the popular travel and food blog, The Yum Yum Foodie.

Mendin, the chef and owner behind one of Miami’s new and hottest restaurants, La Placita, will create a pork burger at the Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® event. He also will roast a pig at Goya Foods’ Swine & Wine.

Quincoces will host a health-inspired cooking demo with children at the Goya Foods’ Fun and Fit as a Family event. She will share the nutritional benefits that come with including pork as part of family meals. A Checkoff study released in January shows that 9 percent of all dinner occasions at home in America are inspired by a celebratory occasion emphasizing family, flavor and fun. Children typically request this meal occasion.

Quincoces, Bane and Zamora will serve as judges at Goya Foods’ Swine & Wine. Bane and Mendin also will serve as judges at the Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ hosted by Guy Fieri.

For more information on the National Pork Board and SOBEWFF-inspired pork recipes by chef Mendin, including Orange Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin, Mediterranean-Style Pork Sirloin Chops and Pork Shoulder Pozole Verde, visit PorkEsSabor.com and follow along on social media at @PorkEsSabor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation using #SwineUniversity and #PorkEsSabor.



NFU Applauds Congressional Impetus on Climate Change

U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York today released a framework for what they call a “Green New Deal.” The resolution is meant to kickstart broad discussions on how the U.S. will both mitigate and adapt to climate change, which is current projected to drastically alter the U.S. economic and social stability.

National Farmers Union (NFU) Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew released the following statement in response to the the Green New Deal resolution:

“Farmers Union members understand the need for action on climate change, and they will be active in ensuring farmers have the tools and incentives they need to both adapt to and help mitigate climate change.

“American family farmers are primary stakeholders in the battle against climate change, as they’ve been withstanding increasingly devastating natural disasters, including floods, drought, wildfires and hurricanes. The impacts on not only their individual bottom lines, but also on their communities, have already been significant, and they will be exacerbated by more severe disasters.

“NFU stands ready to work with Congress to ensure that federal legislation recognizes what’s at stake for farm families and rural communities, and what potential we have to offer national and global efforts to sequester carbon and curb the worsening effects of climate change.”